Rouzer, David RSS Articles

House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Releases BUILD America 250 Act

Mon, 18 May 2026 00:00:21 GMT

WASHINGTON, DC - House Transportation and Infrastructure Subcommittee on Highways and Transit Chairman David Rouzer (R-NC-07) issued the following statement today after the Committee released its bipartisan, five-year surface transportation reauthorization bill that invests in America’s roads, bridges, transit, rail transportation, and highway and motor carrier safety programs.

The Building Unrivaled Infrastructure and Long-term Development for America’s 250th (BUILD America 250) Act emphasizes moving people, goods, and freight safely and efficiently across the country. The bill provides the largest ever investment in America’s bridges, focuses on proven surface transportation infrastructure programs, provides passenger rail investments and reforms, improves rail safety, ensures transportation projects and programs are more efficient, encourages innovation, and provides the first ever autonomous commercial motor vehicle framework.

The bill also strengthens the long-term stability of the Highway Trust Fund by ensuring highway users contribute to the maintenance and improvement of our roads. The BUILD America 250 Act injects the Highway Trust Fund with its first new stream of revenue for infrastructure in over three decades. While there is still much to be done to address its solvency, this legislation is a step in the right direction.

"Our nation’s infrastructure is the silent engine of American productivity, and it cannot afford to sit idle," said Congressman Rouzer. "The BUILD America 250 Act brings commonsense fundamentals back to the forefront, strengthening our roads, highways, and bridges while ensuring the strategic, responsible use of hard-earned taxpayer dollars to get even more projects delivered. This bill is the culmination of years of hard work and input from Members of Congress and the public, including job creators around the nation, to pass a surface transportation bill that meets the fundamental infrastructure needs of the country. I look forward to working with Chairman Graves, Ranking Member Larsen, and my other colleagues on both sides of the aisle to get this critical legislation across the finish line.”

Background:

To prepare for the BUILD America 250 Act, the Committee spent the last 18 months holding numerous hearings, including several chaired by Congressman Rouzer. The Committee also solicited input, ideas, and priorities for consideration from all Members of the House and infrastructure job creators across the nation – over 11,000 individual policy requests were submitted in total.

The Committee will announce further plans for a legislative markup of the bill, with the ultimate goal of sending legislation from Congress to the President’s desk before the current surface transportation authorization expires on September 30, 2026.

You can find the text of the BUILD America 250 Act here. A one-pager on the bill can be found here.

Congressman David Rouzer, North Carolina Republican, represents the state’s Seventh Congressional District. He serves as chairman of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Subcommittee on Highways and Transit.

Latest Update from Rep. Rouzer...

Sun, 03 May 2026 20:26:20 GMT

It was a historic week in Washington. The Farm Bill was brought to the House Floor for consideration and debate, and I was proud to support its passage to provide critical changes in law for North Carolina’s farm families. I also had the honor of serving on the escort committee for Their Majesties King Charles III and Queen Camilla.

Below, you’ll find updates on efforts to reopen the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), highlights from my meeting with members of the North Carolina’s Bankers Association, and resources to help you prepare for hurricane season. Read on to learn more.

If you received this newsletter from a friend, and you would like to continue receiving these updates, you can subscribe here or connect with me on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.

Providing for Our Farmers

North Carolina is one of the most agriculturally diverse states in the country, with agriculture contributing more than $113 billion to our economy. In the House, I voted to pass the 2026 Farm Bill, a major win for America’s farm families, rural communities, and our nation’s food security, which is essential to our national security.

As a member of the House Committee on Agriculture, I worked to secure key provisions in this legislation to help Southeastern North Carolina and communities nationwide. These include strengthening disaster assistance, providing rural homeowners with additional resources to address PFAS contamination, and expanding access to healthy foods through nutrition programs to help combat diet-related diseases such as obesity and diabetes.

Our rural communities are the backbone of our state, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to advocate on their behalf. I look forward to Senate passage of their Farm Bill legislation so the two chambers can hammer out a final bill that incorporates these improvements.

Restoring Funding for Homeland Security

After a 75-day shutdown, the House finally passed the Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Bill, ending the shutdown of the Department of Homeland Security and ensuring that our federal TSA agents, members of our Coast Guard, and FEMA employees are paid. The bill also appropriated the funding necessary to carry out their respective missions and was immediately signed into law by the President.

Funding for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is expected to be addressed through a budget reconciliation bill, known as Budget Reconciliation 2.0. The House and Senate have both passed the initial step (a budget resolution) and committees are now working to draft legislation to ensure ICE and CBP have the resources they need to protect the homeland for the remainder of President Trump’s term.

Welcoming King Charles III to the U.S. Capitol

This past week, I had the distinct honor of welcoming Their Majesties King Charles III and Queen Camilla to the United States Capitol where the King addressed a Joint Meeting of Congress.

As our nation approaches her 250th anniversary of independence, this visit stands as a powerful reminder of our history and the foundational values that built and fostered the historical alliance between the United States and the United Kingdom.

Building a Resilient Financial Future for North Carolina Families

This past week, I met with North Carolina Bankers Association President and CEO Peter Gwaltney, along with other banking leaders from across the state, to discuss key financial issues impacting North Carolina residents.

Our conversation centered around improving housing affordability and providing stable and secure options for responsible lending to help residents in NC-07 and across the state build stronger financial futures. I’m grateful for their commitment to advancing solutions that expand economic opportunities in our communities, and I look forward to continuing this important work.

Hurricane Preparedness Starts Now

Today, May 3rd, marks the start of North Carolina’s Hurricane Preparedness Week. While the official hurricane season runs from June 1st through November 30th, now is the time to start making preparations so you are ready if inclement weather hits.

For more information and hurricane preparedness resources, please visit my website.

ROUZER.HOUSE.GOV/HURRICANE

Build A Kit

An emergency kit is a container of items your family may need during or after an emergency. Put the kit in a location where everyone in your household can access it, and include enough water, food, and supplies to last three to seven days. And don’t forget about your pets! Click here for instructions on how to put an emergency kit together.

Watches vs. Warnings

In order to keep your family safe if a storm threatens your area, it is important to know the difference between “watches" and “warnings". A “watch" means weather conditions in the area have the potential of becoming dangerous to potentially life-threatening within 48 hours. A “warning" means severe conditions are imminent within 36 hours.

Insurance

When preparing for a natural disaster within your area, one of the most important things you can do is confirm you have a good insurance policy. Be aware homeowners insurance does not cover flood damage, regardless if you own or rent. Whether you are in a high, low, or moderate risk area, a separate flood insurance policy can be purchased. Policies are available for both residential and commercial buildings as long as the community joins in the National Flood Insurance Program. It is important to note, new flood insurance policies often require a 30-day waiting period. For information about the National Flood Insurance Program, call (877) 336-2627.

Did You Know? (NC-07 Edition)

George Herman Ruth, Jr. hit his first professional home run in Fayetteville, NC in 1914. It was there he earned the nickname “Babe.” Today, you can learn more about this moment in baseball history at the Fayetteville Area Transportation and Local History Museum, which features an exhibit on Babe Ruth.

This historical marker commemorating the event is located at the intersection of Gillespie Street and Transportation Drive in Fayetteville.

Good News Story

A team of students from Public Schools of Robeson County is heading to the FIRST Robotics Competition World Championship in Houston after earning one of only two rookie team spots in North Carolina. Guided by their teacher, Nancy Townsend, the Iron Corsairs overcame multiple roadblocks on their road to success.

Their determination and hard work earned them statewide recognition and a chance to compete against top teams from around the world, while also opening doors to future careers in engineering and technology. It was a real showcase of the talent of Robeson County students on an international stage. We should all be very proud of these students!

Read more in the Robesonian on this story here.

Closing Thoughts...

“Standing here today, it is hard not to feel the weight of history on my shoulders — because the modern relationship between our two nations spans not merely 250 years, but more than four centuries… Today, I am here on this great occasion in the life of our nations to express the highest regard and friendship of the British people to the people of the United States.” — His Majesty King Charles III, excerpt from his address to a Joint Meeting of Congress, April 28, 2026

Rouzer Drives Agricultural Wins in House Farm Bill Passage

Thu, 30 Apr 2026 04:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON, DC — The House has passed H.R. 7567, the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026, or the 2026 Farm Bill, by a vote of 224-200, with strong support from Congressman David Rouzer (R-NC-07).

“Passage of the 2026 Farm Bill is a major win for America’s farm families, rural communities, and our nation’s food security, which is a key component of our national security," said Congressman Rouzer.

"Agriculture is our state’s number one industry, contributing $113 billion to our state's economy. The Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026 comes at a critical time for our nation’s farm families. I look forward to the Senate’s consideration in order to get these enhancements signed into law.”

Agriculture is North Carolina's top industry and curretly contributes more than $113 billion to our state’s economy. As a member ofthe House Committee on Agriculture, Congressman Rouzer secured important provisions in the legislation to benefit Southeastern North Carolina and communities across the country:

Improving Disaster Assistance: Provides block grant authority for states to address unique losses, establishes a framework for specialty crop economic assistance, and strengthens insurance tools for hurricane-prone states.
Addressing PFAS Contamination: Includes the principles of Congressman Rouzer’s Healthy H2O Act, which provides rural homeowners with resources for water quality testing and treatment to combat PFAS contamination.
Prioritizing Healthy Foods: Strengthens nutrition programs by increasing access to nutrient-dense foods, while discouraging ultra-processed foods, to improve public health outcomes and help address diet-related diseases like obesity and diabetes.
Defending North Carolina Pork: Ensures the free movement of North Carolina-raised pork products for sale across the country, upholding the federal government’s constitutional authority to regulate interstate commerce.
Reinstating Tobacco Economic Assistance: Reinstates tobacco to the list of agricultural commodities eligible for USDA-led assistance, putting tobacco on equal footing as other commodity crops.
Bolstering Specialty Crops: Promotes more risk management tools, invests in research and trade promotion, and examines industry impact of imports.
Protecting International Food Assistance: Transfers the Food for Peace program to USDA to ensure it is administered responsibly and used as intended.

Since his first day in office, David Rouzer has proudly served on the House Agriculture Committee. He is a co-founder of the Congressional Agri-tourism Caucus and co-chair of the Congressional Specialty Crops Caucus. Rouzer has been involved in the development of almost every Farm Bill since 1996.

UK Caucus Co-Chairs Rouzer, Wilson, Himes, and Amo Statement on King Charles III Joint Address to Congress

Tue, 28 Apr 2026 20:09:33 GMT

WASHINGTON, DC - Bipartisan Co-Chairs of the Congressional United Kingdom Caucus, Representatives David Rouzer (R-NC), Joe Wilson (R-SC), Jim Himes (D-CT), and Gabe Amo (D-RI) released the following statement after His Majesty King Charles III addressed a joint meeting of Congress:

"We were honored to welcome His Britannic Majesty King Charles III as he addressed a joint meeting of Congress, celebrating one of the most consequential relationships in modern history, rooted in our shared commitment to freedom and democracy. As the United States marks 250 years of independence, we are reminded of the importance of recommitting ourselves to our defining principles and honor the special relationship between our two countries."

Background:

Today, His Majesty King Charles III of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland addressed Congress in a joint meeting during his state visit to Washington, DC. His visit commemorates the 250th anniversary of American independence and highlights the enduring special relationship between the United States and the United Kingdom.

The UK Caucus Co-Chairs introduced a resolution recognizing the importance of this partnership. The full text of the resolution is available here.

Rouzer Introduces STORM Act to Accelerate Medical Response During Natural Disasters

Mon, 27 Apr 2026 13:50:00 GMT

WASHINGTON, DC – Representing a hurricane-prone area, Congressman David Rouzer (R-NC-07) understands the importance of rapid access to medical care. He introduced H.R. 6539, the Strategic Teams Organized Response Mobilization (STORM) Act, which authorizes the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to use online platforms to quickly connect healthcare workers with communities affected by natural disasters.

“In a natural disaster, every second counts — especially for those in need of urgent medical care," said Congressman Rouzer. "Local providers are often overwhelmed or directly impacted by the disaster themselves. By leveraging technology, the STORM Act ensures FEMA can quickly connect medical experts with the communities that need them most."

As communities saw in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, natural disasters create a massive spike in healthcare needs, which can quickly overwhelm local doctors and hospitals — especially when those providers are also victims of the storm.

The STORM Act streamlines emergency response by allowing FEMA to use separate staffing platforms to fill medical gaps during disasters. Instead of relying on slow, manual coordination, these digital tools instantly match verified healthcare professionals with specific areas of need.

You can find the full text of H.R. 6539 here.

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Latest Update from Rep. Rouzer...

Sun, 26 Apr 2026 21:30:00 GMT

I am grateful everyone is safe following last night’s incident at the Washington Hilton during the White House Correspondents’ Dinner where President Donald J. Trump, Members of Congress, members of the press, and many others were gathered. An individual rushed the venue, but thanks to the swift response of the Secret Service and law enforcement, the situation was quickly secured. Violence of any kind has no place in our nation.

This past week in Washington, I joined a roundtable discussion with EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin to discuss the importance of limiting government intervention and getting America building again. In the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology hearing, I questioned how the military is using modern technologies, such as robotics, to ensure we maintain the strongest military in the world.

In addition, I met with three Wilmington high school students to congratulate them on winning the Congressional App Challenge and met with Miss Teen Fayetteville to learn more about her goals, including her work for our veterans. You can read about all of this and more below.

If you received this newsletter from a friend, and you would like to continue receiving these updates, you can subscribe here or connect with me on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.

Advocating for Reduced Government Intervention

This past week, I participated in a roundtable with Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Lee Zeldin to talk about how overreaching federal environmental regulations negatively affect our farmers, ranchers, and rural communities. The EPA oversees important matters such as crop protection tools, water quality, and emissions. These issues directly impact day-to-day operations in manufacturing and food processing in addition to row crop and animal agriculture.

Our discussion focused on the need for clear, consistent rules that make sense and provide for greater transparency, and the importance of utilizing sound science as the fundamental basis for policies. We also emphasized the importance of protecting our natural resources while making sure policies don’t place unnecessary burdens on those who grow our food and support our rural communities.

Improving Military Technology

During this past week’s House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology Subcommittee on Research and Technology hearing, I highlighted the importance of military applications of emerging technology. I raised questions about the current stage of development of new robotics and advanced systems and how the Department of War is coordinating these efforts with national security and research sectors.

This remains a critical area of focus for our national defense. Ongoing conflicts in the Middle East and Ukraine have highlighted the growth and importance of these new technologies. Such applications underscore the necessity of integrating modern technologies in our defense capabilities and the importance of learning from and coordinating with our allies.

You can watch my remarks from the hearing here.

Useful Tips for all Beachgoers

Today, April 26, begins Carolinas Rip Current Awareness Week. With millions of people visiting the beaches of North and South Carolina each year, understanding the dangers of rip currents is important to keep you and your family safe.

To learn more, visit National Weather Service.

Wilmington Students Win Congressional App Challenge in NC-07

Congressman Rouzer with Tilghman (left), Edward (middle), and Bentley (right).

I would like to congratulate Bentley and Edward Burton of Laney High School, along with Tilghman Reiss of New Hanover High School, on winning the 2025 Congressional App Challenge for North Carolina’s Seventh District.

Their app, “Remember When,” uses technology to help preserve meaningful memories. Inspired by the experience of their loved ones with memory loss, the app is designed to help older adults and their families strengthen connections and capture personal stories for future generations.

Their work reflects innovation driven by compassion and need. These young men are truly deserving of this recognition of their outstanding achievement.

Service Inspired by a Military Upbringing

Additionally, I had the privilege of welcoming Miss Teen Fayetteville, Emma Taylor, to the United States Capitol. Growing up in a military family, Emma was inspired to establish her own nonprofit, “Battle Buddies,” to provide funding for veterans living with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) to have service dogs.

Our veterans have made tremendous sacrifices in service to our country, and they deserve our full support in return. I look forward to seeing Emma accomplish great things both as Miss Teen Fayetteville and in the years ahead.

Constituent Services Near You

If you are experiencing difficulties with a federal agency and are unable to visit one of my district offices, we may be able to help! Below are the upcoming dates and locations for May. Please stop by if there is anything with which my team can assist.

Bladen County

May 12 | 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.

NC Cooperative Extension
450 Smith Cir
Elizabethtown, NC 28337

Pender County

May 7 | 9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.

Surf City Town Hall
214 Florence Way
Hampstead, NC 28443

Brunswick County

May 6 | 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Sunset Beach Town Hall
700 Sunset Blvd N
Sunset Beach, NC 28468

Pender County

May 7 | 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Burgaw Town Hall
109 N Walker St
Burgaw, NC 28425

Columbus County

May 12 | 9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.

Columbus County Center
45 Government Complex Rd
Whiteville, NC 28472

Robeson County

May 19 | 9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.

R.E. Hooks Community Building
100-198 N 3rd St
St. Pauls, NC 28384

Good News Story

I would like to congratulate Hunter Smith of Charles P. Murray Middle School in New Hanover County for being recognized as Teacher of the Month.

Mr. Smith transforms education by turning lessons into real-world learning experiences. As he said, “The skills they need for high-paying jobs don’t take as long as they used to,” and “I love that for kids.” He encourages students to think like leaders, problem-solvers, and entrepreneurs, preparing them for long-term success beyond the classroom.

Thank you for your dedicated work in educating and inspiring the next generation! Your efforts are truly appreciated!

To read more about Mr. Smith's impact in the classroom, visit WWAY News.

Closing Thoughts...

“A government big enough to give you everything you want is a government big enough to take from you everything you have.” – President Gerald R. Ford

Rouzer Honors Wilmington Students as 2025 Congressional App Challenge Winners

Thu, 23 Apr 2026 17:05:48 GMT

WASHINGTON, DC - Congressman David Rouzer (NC-07) welcomed Bentley and Edward Burton of Laney High School, along with Tilghman Reiss of New Hanover High School, to the nation’s capital to congratulate them on winning the 2025 Congressional App Challenge for North Carolina’s Seventh District.

The app they created, “Remember When,” uses technology to keep memories alive. Designed to support elderly individuals and their families, the app prompts conversations to help preserve memories, strengthen connections, and record personal stories.

“These young students turned their personal experiences with memory loss into inspiration for their app, creating something that resonates deeply with anyone who has seen a loved one face such challenges,” said Congressman Rouzer. “Their work highlights both innovation and compassion, and they deserve recognition for winning this year’s competition.”

About the Congressional App Challenge Competition:

The Congressional App Challenge is a nationwide coding competition for middle and high school students. Established by the U.S. House of Representatives as part of a bipartisan effort to promote STEM education and inspire interest in computer science, the competition officially launched in 2015.

Each year, students across the country are encouraged to design and build original digital projects — including mobile apps, video games, websites, and robotics — in any programming language. Winners are recognized by their Members of Congress and featured on official House platforms, with their work showcased in the U.S. Capitol.

Congressman Rouzer Introduces Resolution to Designate National Lineman Appreciation Day

Mon, 20 Apr 2026 20:57:09 GMT

WASHINGTON, DC - To recognize the more than 115,000 hardworking men and women who maintain America’s electrical infrastructure, Congressman David Rouzer (R-NC), along with Congressman Mike Flood (R-NE), Congresswoman Deborah Ross (D-NC), and Congresswoman Marie Gluesenkamp Perez (D-WA), introduced a bipartisan resolution to designate April 18, 2026, as National Lineman Appreciation Day.

The resolution commends the remarkable contributions of linemen to the approximately 155 million electricity customers across the United States. Cosponsored by fifty-seven Members of Congress, the resolution underscores the essential role linemen play in maintaining a safe and reliable power supply – especially in the wake of natural disasters. Since the first transmission line was constructed in 1889, linemen have worked tirelessly to keep the lights on across America.

“Our nation’s linemen step up without hesitation, often operating in dangerous conditions to restore power and help communities recover from natural disasters,” said Congressman Rouzer. “These dedicated men and women work tirelessly to keep the power on and their service deserves our gratitude and deepest respect. What would we do without them?!”

“Across the country, linemen play a crucial role in driving economic growth and ensuring that the lights stay on,” said Congressman Flood. “I am glad to support this resolution recognizing their hard work, as linemen often operate high above the ground, through severe weather, and in other extreme conditions to maintain infrastructure critical for our communities. Thank you to Reps. Rouzer, Ross, and Gluesenkamp Perez for leading this effort and recognizing their tireless work.”

“Rain or shine, dedicated lineworkers make sure North Carolinians have power all year round,” said Congresswoman Ross. “During natural disasters and record storms, lineworkers have been among the first people on the ground, getting electricity back up and running. Their commitment is what keeps the lights on across our communities and helps us stay connected. I’m proud to join this bipartisan resolution to express our appreciation for the tough and often thankless work that linemen do every day.”

“When things go right, no one thinks to thank linemen – and when things get rough, most think it’s magic – it’s our skilled, tough linemen we owe our gratitude. Their work is core to keeping our public power system reliable and affordable in Southwest Washington,” said Congresswoman Gluesenkamp Perez. “Linemen work around the clock in tough weather with backbreaking aerobics and masterful skill – and I’m so proud of their work and to fight on their team.”

“Behind every flipped switch is a lineworker who shows up in the heat, cold, and in the wake of storms to get the job done safely,” said ElectriCities of North Carolina CEO Roy Jones. “The work is demanding and often dangerous, and it requires a high level of skill, focus, and commitment. Lineworkers take pride in serving their communities and ElectriCities—and public power—is proud to support this resolution recognizing the important work lineworkers do every day.”

“We’re grateful to Congressman Rouzer for recognizing the critical work lineworkers do. Customers trust us to deliver safe, reliable power every day – and to bring it back quickly after storms and other outages,” said Scott Batson, executive vice president and chief power grid officer for Duke Energy. “That’s why the work of our lineworkers matters: they strengthen the system through daily maintenance and upgrades, and they respond in our communities when it matters most. Their skill and safety-first mindset help us provide the dependable service our communities expect today while building a stronger grid for the future.”

“The lineman profession is a large organization, but it operates like a small family,” said Karen Bosch, Managing Director for National Association of Journeymen Linemen and Bill Bosch, Northwest Lineman College (Founders of National Lineman's Appreciation Day). “Linemen put others before themselves every day, and they are some of the most dedicated and remarkable people I know.”

The full text of the resolution can be found here.

FINAL CALL: 2026 Congressional Art Competition Submissions

Mon, 20 Apr 2026 20:27:00 GMT

This is the FINAL CALL for submissions to the 2026 Congressional Art Competition, due this Friday! Sponsored annually by Members of the U.S. House of Representatives since 1982, this nationwide program highlights the extraordinary talent, creativity, and dedication of high school students across the country.

The winning artwork will be displayed for a full year in the Cannon Tunnel, a pedestrian walkway leading to the U.S. Capitol. The first-place winner will also receive airfare for two to Washington, DC, to attend a reception honoring student artists from across the country.

Students residing in North Carolina's Seventh Congressional District must submit their artwork and signed release form in person to one of my district offices by this Friday, April 24, at 5:00 PM.

2026 Congressional Art Competition guidelines can be found here, and the required student release form can be found here. Students can verify their home congressional district here. Please be advised after the winner is selected, the student is responsible for framing the artwork.

For more information about the Congressional Art Competition, visit my website or contact our Congressional Art Competition Coordinator, Lisa Myers, at (910) 253-6111 or Melissa.Myers@mail.house.gov.

Please share this newsletter with any high school student in NC-07 who may be interested in submitting to this year’s competition.

Latest update from Rep. Rouzer...

Sun, 19 Apr 2026 23:00:00 GMT

This past week, I was back in Washington advocating on your behalf. At an Agriculture Committee hearing, I brought up for discussion with the Chairman of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) the ongoing supply chain constraints driving up the cost of fertilizer.

On the House Floor, I voted to cut red tape to help streamline projects and drive down costs faster. I celebrated the return of the Artemis II crew and penned an op-ed on public transit safety. Read more about all of this and more below!

If you received this newsletter from a friend, and you would like to continue receiving these updates, you can subscribe here or connect with me on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.

Fertilizer Prices

This past week, the House Committee on Agriculture held a hearing with Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) Chairman Michael S. Selig to discuss issues the Commission is addressing. As the agency responsible for overseeing commodities trading, the CFTC must ensure our markets are not being manipulated by foreign traders. This is particularly important for the current fertilizer market.

Much of the world’s fertilizer supply travels through the Strait of Hormuz, and obvious challenges in the region have created a supply chain crunch for growers here in the U.S. As farmers start planting their 2026 crop, they need certain inputs for their respective crops, particularly fertilizer. To protect our domestic supply and ensure North Carolina’s farmers are able to access fertilizer for the year, I emphasized the importance of making sure adversarial foreign actors or traders do not exploit market volatility to drive up prices.

As a globally traded commodity, foreign markets may seek to buy up our fertilizer supply to either sell in other countries or hold out for higher prices. The CFTC has the unique role of monitoring these markets to ensure they are not being manipulated. This is particularly important for North Carolina agriculture where a large majority of farmers have yet to buy all the fertilizer needed for their crops.

I know that Chairman Selig will continue to work towards ensuring our growers have access to the necessary inputs to produce the safest and most abundant food supply in the world. You can watch the remarks at the hearing here.

Cutting through Red Tape

This past week on the House Floor, I supported three bills focused on cutting bureaucratic red tape and strengthening American competitiveness.

The RED Tape Act ends a burdensome review process which requires the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to weigh in multiple times on proposed manufacturing projects — both as part of other agency reviews and then again on their own. By eliminating redundant permitting requirements, the RED Tape Act will allow faster expansion of American manufacturing and help lower costs for the consumer.

The FENCES Act and FIRE Act both address how states and businesses are penalized for pollution they did not create. Currently, pollution from foreign countries, such as Chinese smog or Canadian wildfires, can be counted against American manufacturers, stopping the development of new projects, and hurting our domestic manufacturers. This just drives up costs.

Together, these measures aim to promote growth, protect American industry, and drive down costs by making the government work more efficiently for us all.

Safety on Public Transit

Safety on public transit is more important than ever. Everyone deserves to reach their destination safely and efficiently. As Chairman of the House Subcommittee on Highways and Transit, I recently wrote an op-ed for APTA's Passenger Transport Magazine, "Safety First: Rebuilding Trust in Public Transit," about the importance of safe, reliable transit systems across the country. A small excerpt below:

“Unfortunately, safety aboard public transit has hit very close to home. My state tragically lost a life when Iryna Zarutska was brutally murdered this past August on Charlotte light rail. This tragedy should be a wake-up call for every transit agency and policymaker in the country. The traveling public deserves better, and so do the men and women who work around the clock to get riders safely to their destinations. We cannot normalize violence on transit systems, and we cannot accept a system where riders feel abandoned the moment they step onto a platform."

You can read the full op-ed here.

NC State Alumni in Space

On Wednesday, April 1, 2026, the Artemis II mission carried American astronauts farther into space than any crew has traveled in more than 50 years.

Among the crew was NC State alum Christina Koch, whose dedication, skill, and pioneering spirit exemplify the very best of the Wolfpack. This historic 10-day mission carried the crew on a journey around the Moon before returning to Earth, making Koch the first woman to fly to the Moon. Her role in this mission is a source of pride and inspiration for many, including me!

Opportunities for High School Students

High school students in NC-07 are invited to participate in this year’s Congressional Art Competition, a nationwide program sponsored annually by members of the U.S. House of Representatives since 1982.

The winning artwork will be displayed for one year at the U.S. Capitol with the artist invited to Washington to attend a national reception honoring student artists. Students interested in participating must submit their artwork and signed release forms in person to one of my district offices by 5:00 PM on Friday, April 24, 2026. For more information, please visit my website.

On April 25, students, parents, and educators in NC-07 are invited to engage directly with my staff and representatives from all five service academies, including the U.S. Coast Guard Academy. This forum provides a vital introduction for those looking to navigate the unique nomination and admissions processes of these prestigious institutions.

The event will be held at Brunswick Energy and Education Center in Southport at 9:00 AM ET. Interested participants must RSVP via email to Lisa.Littler@mail.house.gov. For more information on the event or the nomination process, please visit my website.

Good News Story

After Hurricane Matthew (2016) and Hurricane Florence (2018) severely damaged his family home, Darrick Virgil of Robeson County looked to rebuild his existing home. The road was not easy. Darrick encountered several roadblocks along the way dealing with government red tape and technicalities. But on April 8th, thanks in part to the support of Brightspeed, which donated land needed to complete the build, Darrick received the keys to his new home. To read more about this story of perseverance and how neighbors help neighbors, visit WRAL News.

Unfortunately, Darrick’s story is not unique. Total mismanagement at the state level left many in our communities waiting years for assistance, even when funding was available from the federal government. While ReBuild NC has completed more than 4,140 homes, 105 other homes are still waiting to be finished. It is simply unacceptable that nearly a decade after these storms, this is still the case. I have continued to voice my concerns about this privately and publicly. When tragedies brought on by severe weather occur, the government should be working for us — not against us.

Closing Thoughts...

"What we don't need is more spending, and what we don't need are taxes, and what we do need is a lot less of both." – Ronald Reagan